Klor Strong Team Blog

Even as some mortgage standards have eased, hitting a needed appraisal value is proving a frustrating blocker for buyers and sellers and those looking to refinance.
Don’t let this happen to you.

http://money.cnn.com//2012/03/30/real_estate/mortgage-denied/index.htm

If you’re waiting for home prices to go up, then you’re missing signs the troubled housing market has finally turned around.  Take a look at this link and let us know if you have any questions.

http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/03/20/housing-recovery-prices/

Did you know that April is Lawn & Garden month?  In honor of Lawn and Garden month, we wanted to share this article to help you prepare your lawn and garden for a beautiful spring. Feel free to share your green thumb tricks and tips here as well.

http://www.american-lawns.com/lawns/5_steps_to_a_perfect_lawn.html

In a report recently released, the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) said that just 3% of $7.6 billion available in the Hardest Hit Housing Markets program had been tapped as of Dec. 31.

http://money.cnn.com//2012/04/12/news/economy/tarp_housing_program/index.htm

Mortgage loan applications recently surged 23%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.  Are you taking advantage of the record-low interest rates?

http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/18/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htm

Flippers, the real estate investors who buy homes on the cheap and quickly resell them at a profit, got a reprieve from the Federal Housing Administration.  See this link to read on:

http://money.cnn.com/2011/12/29/real_estate/FHA_flipping_waiver/index.htm

A bright spot has appeared – with the lowest reading for loan delinquencies as a share of total loans outstanding in nearly three years.  Take a quick look at this link to read more:

http://eyeonhousing.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/mortgage-bankers-newly-delinquent-mortgage-loans-fall-to-lowest-share-in-nearly-4-years/

In 2010, 27% of first-time buyers received a gift from a friend or relative to use toward their down payment. That’s up from 22% in 2009 and 23% in 2005, according to statistics from the National Association of Realtors.  Here is the link to read further:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dont-let-down-payment-gifts-hold-up-your-mortgage-2011-12-19

This analysis is helpful in explaining the strong correlation between home equity loans and remodeling over time. Take a look at the graphs and charts to get the full picture.

http://eyeonhousing.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/the-importance-of-home-equity-loans-for-remodeling/

Ever wonder about the different reasons for buying or building a “New” home versus an buying an older home?  Check out this article for some of the benefits to buying or building NEW.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-would-you-buy-a-new-home-2011-09-26